Charity shop is given £2000 Rolex watch donation

A VINTAGE watch donated to an Edinburgh charity shop is to be auctioned to raise funds to help the homeless.

The 1960s Tudor Advisor, made by Rolex, was handed in to Shelter Scotland’s Morningside shop along with a bag of other items.

Valued at almost £1000 in its current condition, but selling for more than £2000 in mint condition, the vintage, leather-strapped watch with stainless steel body and bevelled glass face will be entered in a silent auction today.

Allison Granham, manager of Shelter Scotland’s Morningside shop, said: “No-one in the shop had seen this type of watch before so we weren’t sure how much it was worth.

“It was in a box with other jewellery that had been donated.

“It was only when it was independently valued that we found out that Tudor is a ‘little brother’ to Rolex.

“The auction is a great opportunity for someone to get their hands on the vintage Advisor before the company relaunch it later this year, as well as raising much-needed funds for Shelter Scotland.” Shopper Jean MacMillan, 63, said: “It would be interesting to know how many items like this go undetected.

“The staff in the Shelter shop must be knowledgeable and be able to spot vintage items, but I’m sure this won’t be the case in other charity shops.

“It’s great that someone has handed this in and the money will be going to a good cause.” Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Although we don’t know who donated the watch we would like to thank them for their generosity.

“We welcome all donations to our shops, no matter how big or small, and it’s always humbling to know that people want to help Shelter Scotland.

“Without this support we would not be able to deliver our vital services and campaign for the end of homelessness and bad housing.”

It is the second time in less than three years that a collectible timepiece has been handed the Morningside shop.

In December 2011, a classic 1950’s Rolex Oyster valued at £1000 was donated and sold at silent auction for £720 to a mystery bidder as a secret Christmas present for her husband.

Staff at the shop initially dismissed the luxury Rolex wristwatch as a replica, but soon realised they had stumbled on to the real thing, which was famously worn by James Bond in Ian Fleming’s books.

The silent auction – by way of sealed envelope bids to the Edinburgh Morningside shop on 104 Morningside Road – opens today and will close on July 16 at 6pm.